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Spring is HERE, and whether itโs warming up or still cold in your neck of the woods, it gives us hope of warmer days, sun shining, sunglasses, and short sleeves; does it not? Ah man, that sounds good!
What better way to kick of the first days of Spring than with the ultimate salad guide fromย American Expressย and me? Iโve been all about my chopped salads lately and now have a method to the madness.
Choose a base:ย Leafy Greens
Add your favoriteย Veggies & Fruits
Donโt forget someย Healthy Fats
Add your source ofย Protein
Top it off with someย Crunchย andย Flavorful Additions
Dressย the salad and enjoy!
See, you simply needย allย of these things: A leafy green of course, your protein, veggies, fruit, something crunchy, flavor additions, and of course, a delicious dressing!

How To Build The Ultimate Salad
Ingredients
- Leafy Greens: 1-2 cups
- Kale
- Spinach
- Mixed Greens
- Lettuce
- Romaine
- Arugula
Fruits and Veggies:
- Avocado healthy fats
- Tomato
- Red Onion
- Caramelized onion
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Green Onion
- Grilled Eggplant
- Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Artichokes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash
- Apples
- Pear
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Oranges
- Pineapple
- Grapes
Flavor Add-Ons & Crunchy Additions:
- Raisins
- Dried Cranberries
- Bacon
- Raw Nuts healthy fats
- Candied Nuts healthy fats
- Seeds healthy fats
- Tortilla Chips
- Cheese
- Beans: chickpeas black beans, edemame
Proteins:
- Steak
- Shrimp
- Wild Salmon
- Organic Chicken
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
Dressing:
- Oil olive, avocado, walnut & Vinegar (Balsamic Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar)
- Salsa
- Ginger Dressing
- Lemon Vinaigrette
- Strawberry Dressing
Instructions
- Choose a base
- Add your favorite veggies & fruits
- Don't forget some healthy fats
- Add your source of protein
- Top it off with some crunch and flavorful additions
- Dress the salad and enjoy!







I would never have thought to include blueberries! Now I have to think of a fun salad recipe that used them. Pinned for later ๐
Love this infographic! I love adding beans, salsa, avocado and hard boiled eggs to my salads! PINNED ๐